THE BANQUET TO MR SEDDON

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 May 1906, Page 3

THE BANQUET TO MR SEDDON

[BT ELECTRIC! TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT j [pee PRESS ASSOC.—ION.] A BRILIANT FUNCTION. SYDNEY, This Day. The New Zealanders’ banquet and reception to Soddon was the most brilliant function yet carried out by tho New Zealand community in this city. Mr Jackson, of the Union Company, presided. Amongst tho guests were members of the New South Wales Cabinet, and Bullen (the novelist). Apologies were received from Deakin and Lyne. The Chairman, in proposing the health of the guest of the evening, said that amongst the names which readily occur to us as men who had done much for the Empire were those of Grey, Parkes, Sir John McDonald (of Canada) and Seddon. He paid a high tribute to the man who first came into public life as the champion of tho rugged minors of Westland, and who for thirteen years guided the destiny of New Zealand. Seddon replied with a vigorous speech. He expressed gratitude for the way in which Ids health was drunk. The honor done to the colonythrough him was enhanced by the presence of the Ministry of the Mother State of tho Commonwealth. Ho expressed pleasure at the statement made by Sir Malcolm McEachern at Brisbane in regard to the popularity of New Zealand, and although it might be that Australia was not spoken of as favorably at present as his own colony, he looked forward lo the day when she would occupy tinforemost position in the Empire. He found there was a disposition on (he part of tho leaders in public life to aslc whether this or that action would bo popular. Public men should be leaders, instead of being led, and they should fearlessly voice that which they believed to bo for the good of the community. He strenuously urged racial purity, and said that any other course meant deteriorating and endangered (ho Empire. He spoke feelingly of the great mortality of infants. One thing he was proud of was that New Zealand had the lowest death rate in the world. He was determined that the system of (raining nurses should be carried to such an extent that every hamlet and every soul

would bo within reach of trained nursing. One thing he intended to see about when ho returned to New Zealand was the question of having more New Zealand news sent to the Australian Press.

Mr Seddon proposed the health of i Mr Carruthers (State Premier), who, t in replying, said that no colony was deserving of so ranch respect as New 1 Zealand at the hands of New South ) Wales. In the dark hours of the Mother Colony, in times of drought and ! bush fire, New Zealand was the first 1 to offer assistance. New Zealanders 1 who camo to New South Wales and 1 found occupation in the various walks of life were heartily welcomed because of their grit, manliness and character. The Government were glad to follow what was good and to leave alone that which they did not agree with in New Zealand’s legislation. They had recently followed in the matter of tourist bureau, and were already feeling the benefit. Mr Seddon was the leader in Imperialistic ideas and was a leader he .was always glad to follow. Mr Seddon proposed the health of the chairman, and referred to the great company hs represented as playing a conspicuous part in the development of New Zealand, and they looked to their future support and close relationship between the Commonwealth and his colony. Only a few days ago he had with pleasure attended a send-off to Mills. Lord Northcoto (Governor-General) entertains Seddon at lunch to-day.